When the Central Ohio Symphony takes the Gray Chapel stage at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, there will be two first-ever performances for the ensemble.

The concert will open with Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, for the first time. The other concert first will be the symphony presenting opera in a concert format.

In celebration of the 120th anniversary of the first performance of Puccini’s La Bohème, the symphony and three vocalists will perform the vocal arias from the work.

Soloists are Paola Gonzales, soprano, singing the part of Mimi; Emmanuel Vargas, tenor, as Rodolfo; and José Rubio, baritone, as Marcello.

Gonzales, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, last performed with the symphony two seasons ago as a soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth.

Vargas, who has studied and performed in Europe and the United States and who is married to Gonzales, will be making his symphony debut.

Both are international artists who continue to study in the U.S. and currently live and teach in the Dominican Republic.

Rubio, also a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, has performed in the U.S., Italy and China.

discussed the programming for the concert.

“This will be the first time for a concert opera presentation for the Central Ohio Symphony,” said symphony executive director Warren W. Hyer. “This will be a new experience for our audiences with outstanding singers. The beautiful and romantic story of La Bohéme, coupled with the energized music of the Schumann, will make for a great concert experience.”

Tickets may be purchased at the Symphony Source, 24 E. Winter St., or online at www.centralohiosymphony.org. Ticket orders may also be taken over the phone. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $6 for students of all ages, and $4 for children.

More information is available on the symphony website, www.centralohiosymphony.org, at the symphony office at 24 E. Winter, or by calling the symphony at 740-362-1799.