To herald the opening of the Garden of the Spheres, composer Robert Avalon will write a large-scale work for orchestra, 100-voice chorus, and prominent soloists entitled Symphony of the Spheres. The design of the Houston Garden of the Spheres will reflect the solar system with the Plaza of the Sun creating a focal point.

Avalon will musically set words expressed by NASA space explorers and astronauts from China, France, Germany, and Israel in their original languages. Recently, the diary of Ilan Ramon, pilot of the Space Shuttle "Columbia", was discovered in a field in Texas and was microscopically reconstructed by NASA. The text from this diary will be featured in the musical composition. Avalon has visited with astronauts to collect their expressions of vision, awe, and wonder. The resulting work is a universal expression of beauty and cooperation and will transcend earthly preoccupations.

Andres Gauthier, producer for the record companies of RCA Victor, BMG Classics, Telarc, and Naxos, will supervise the recording of the Avalon work during its premiere with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Additionally, the Houston's Foundation for Modern Music will coordinate a cultural exchange between Chinese and U.S. composers. The Houston Symphony has expressed interest in programming Symphony of the Spheres during the installation of the Houston based garden in two years. Plans are being made for large projections of NASA space photos to accompany the performances in Shenzhen and Houston.

Pythagoras and his followers in the 5th century BC believed that the planets in their circular motions around a central sphere of fire created a sound that was harmonious based on certain mathematical principles. This sounds they referred to as the Music of the Spheres.

In close collaboration with the architects of the garden and sculptor, Jesus Moroles, Avalon will coordinate a series of musical elements into the garden, such as large suspended steel strings and bows producing the natural series of overtones described above. These elements will be incorporated into Symphony of the Spheres the performance of which will be recorded and played indefinitely on speakers in the Garden of the Spheres.