The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council (PCAC), in collaboration with donors Nancy and Gary Harrington, proposed the development and installation of the Don Lewis Harmonic Symphony public art project. The proposal received endorsement from the Pleasanton Civic Arts Commission, the Public Arts Selection Committee (PASS), and the Parks and Recreation Commission. On July 15, 2025, the Pleasanton City Council approved the conceptual design, proposed location at Delucchi Park, and budget. Acquisition funding comes from the Harrington Art Partnership for You (H.A.P.P.Y.); installation costs are paid by park dedication fees.
This seven-piece sonic artwork honors Don Lewis, a pioneering electronic musician, innovator of the Live Electronic Orchestra (LEO), advocate for youth music education, and enthusiastic promoter of music as a universal language connecting people through shared emotional and artistic experiences.
Six of the pieces are harmonically tuned instruments designed to encourage audience interaction and collaboration:
- Aria Metallophone
- Manta Ray Chime
- Pagoda Bells
- Lilypad Cymbals
- Contrabass Chimes
- Harp
The seventh piece celebrates Don Lewis as the “Maestro,” inspiring audiences of all ages to “Say YES to Music!” This abstract sculpture will depict Don conducting an orchestra and will include his trademark red shoes. The sculpture will be created by Toni Standteiner of Mountain Forge, whose previous public works include The Band in San Francisco’s Shaw Alley at 535 Mission Street, a major installation at the Transbay Transit Center, and Forged at Palisades Tahoe Tram Plaza. These works showcase his mastery of blacksmithing, where he crafts steel, bronze, copper, and brass into innovative, inspiring designs that tell a story.
The installation will take place in Spring 2026.
Unlike temporary sonic installations, the Don Lewis Harmonic Symphony is a permanent tribute, designed to foster shared interactive community participation, spontaneous collaboration, and an enduring appreciation for Don Lewis’ innovation, artistry, and passion for music.