Eljiah Najera Senior Recital
April 11, 2026 7PM HMUS101
Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
Elijah Najera, voice
Dr. Jennifer Cruz, piano Program
Ombra Mai Fu (Serse) George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Pie Jesu (Requiem) Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Che Farò Senza Euridice (Orfeo de Euridice)
Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)
Vedro Con Mio Diletto (II Guistino) Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Cara Sposa, Amante Cara (Rinaldo) George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Voi Che Sapete (The Marriage of Figaro) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
This recital is presented under the direction of Professor Fred Carama in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the B.M. in Music Education.
ARTIST
Elijah Alexander Najera is a countertenor and Music Education major at California Baptist University, where he performed with Camerata, UCO, and Magnolia Singers. With over five years of operatic experience, he has pursued his craft with intensity, studying under distinguished vocal coaches and faculty. Originally a dedicated band student, Elijah discovered classical voice in high school, igniting a passion that led him to competitions, auditioned festivals, and masterclasses that continue to shape his artistry. As a countertenor, he is driven to reveal the beauty of individuality and inspire others through music. Shaped by personal challenges, Elijah finds in music both refuge and purpose, aspiring to perform nationally and educate future musicians.
COLLABORATIVE ARTIST
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Jennifer Cruz is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Keyboard Collaborative Arts at CBU. A versatile collaborator across campus, she serves as sta^ pianist for SoPA student recitals, juries, Camerata, and faculty showcases. An international performer and clinician, she holds degrees from Eastman and a DMA from USC, and is dedicated to mentoring students toward sustainable, meaningful musical careers
TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS
Ombra Mai Fu
By George Frideric Handel ENGLISH
Never was a shade of any plant dearer and more lovely or more sweet
Pie Jesu
By Gabriel Fauré ENGLISH
Blessed Jesus, Lord, give them rest. Blesses Jesus, Lord, give them eternal rest.
Che Farò Senza Euridice
By Christoph Willibald Gluck ENGLISH
What will I do without Euridice? Where will I go without my beloved? What will I do, where will I go, What am I going to do without my beloved? Where will I go without my beloved?
Euridice? Euridice? Oh, God! Answer me!
I am surely ever faithful to you! Ever faithful to you!
Ah! I cannot go on. No longer help, no longer hope, Neither from the world nor the heavens!
Vedro Con Mio Diletto
By Antonio Vivaldi ENGLISH
What pleasure it will give me to see the soul of my soul, of my soul. The heart of my heart filled with happiness, filled with happiness. And if from the one I love, I must be parted, must be parted. In sighing and suffering I shall spend every moment.
Cara Sposa, Amante Cara
By George Frideric Handel ENGLISH
Dear Spouse, dearly beloved, where art thou?
Ah! Return and dry my tears! On the altar of your Erebus with the torch of my disdain I defy you, O evil spirits!
Vio Che Sapete
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ENGLISH
You who know what love is, You all, see whether it's in my heart, You all, see whether it's in my heart. What I am experiencing I will tell you, It is new to me and I do not understand it. I have a feeling full of desire, That now, is both pleasure and suffering. At first frost, then I feel the soul burning, And in a moment I'm freezing again. Seek a blessing outside myself, I do not know how to hold it, I do not know what it is. I sigh and moan without meaning to, Throb and tremble without knowing, I find no peace both night or day, But even still, I like to languish. You who know what love is, You all, see whether it's in my heart, You all, see whether it's in my heart, You all, see whether it's in my heart.