This week, the UA School of Music is all about drama.

The Arizona Choir and the UA Symphonic Choir collaborates this week with the Arizona Symphony Orchestra in their performance of the Italian master Gioachino Rossini’s opus “”Stabat Mater,”” an operatic piece that contains all the drama of a Rossini opera, yet runs about an hour. The free performance will be held this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the St. Augustine Cathedral on 192 S. Stone Ave.  

The top graduate student choir, the Arizona Choir, working with the top undergraduate choir, the Symphonic Choir, will combine forces to form a choir of over 80 of UA’s top voices. Working in conjunction with the Arizona Symphony and including four soloists, including two UA alumni, this concert shows a significant portion of UA’s musical talent.

“”(For) folks who want to hear the absolute best in choral literature, this is an absolute not-to-be-missed,”” said Dr. Bruce Chamberlain, director of Choral Activities at the School of Music.

The piece consists of 10 movements that, according to many music scholars, are among Rossini’s best work.

“”It’s just a rollercoaster ride that ends on an absolutely triumphant moment,”” Chamberlain said.

The piece certainly isn’t something subtle or quiet in any way, which is typical of Rossini’s energetic, drama-packed style. People are definitely in for excitement whatever their background, Chamberlain said.

Attendants will have the chance to hear the acoustic treat that is the St. Augustine Cathedral, a building designed for these purposes. And at a ticket price of $0, it’s hard to resist.