[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 18 (Thursday, February 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO EDGAR AND NANCY MUENZER AND THE PARK RIDGE CIVIC ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2017

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of 
the late Edgar and Nancy Muenzer, co-founders of the Park Ridge Civic 
Orchestra. To honor their hard work and tireless commitment, the Park 
Ridge Civic Orchestra will be presenting a ``Founders Memorial 
Concert'' on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 featuring Chicago Symphony 
Orchestra violinist David Taylor as guest soloist at The Pickwick 
Theatre in Park Ridge, Illinois.
  The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra (PRCOrchestra) features more than 70 
professional musicians, renowned soloists, and top-ranked student 
talents and serves the north and northwest areas of Chicago, its 
suburbs, and beyond. Founded in 1994 by veteran Chicago Symphony 
Orchestra first violinist Edgar Muenzer, his wife Nancy, and a cadre of 
devoted supporters, the PRCOrchestra fulfilled the Muenzer's wish to 
give back after a rewarding lifetime in professional music. Now led by 
a group of local business owners, musicians, civic leaders, and others, 
the PRCOrchestra continues to bring enriching, live classical music to 
the community.
  The PRCOrchestra's founder Edgar Muenzer was the orchestra's 
conductor and music director for two decades from 1994 to 2014. A 
longtime Park Ridge resident with his wife Nancy, Edgar brought many 
years of performing, conducting, and teaching to this role. In 2014, 
Edgar stepped down from the position of Music Director, giving the 
reins to his son, current PRCOrchestra Music Director Victor Muenzer. 
He then continued to serve as Music Director Emeritus until his death 
in 2016. Among the many honors he earned during his illustrious life, 
Maestro Muenzer was named Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council 
of Orchestras. Edgar and his wife Nancy also earned the Illinois 
Humanities Council Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award for their 
tireless commitment to bringing inspiring music to the community.
  Nancy K. Muenzer was the co-founder of the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra 
and wife of Edgar Muenzer. A driving force behind the Orchestra's 
successful development, the charismatic Mrs. Muenzer worked tirelessly 
to inspire and enlist major sponsors and donors in support of the 
Orchestra. Through Mrs. Muenzer's direct efforts and that of the 
generous music-lovers she recruited, the PRCOrchestra performed five 
major concerts each year at the historic Pickwick Theatre in Park 
Ridge. Mrs. Muenzer also managed an array of special events and smaller 
concerts in between. Mrs. Muenzer continued in her role until 2014, 
helping the Orchestra transition to the next generation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring the late Edgar and Nancy Muenzer and the members of the Park 
Ridge Civic Orchestra for their dedication to cultivating enriching 
classical music in the community. I congratulate and wish each of them 
every success in their upcoming ``Founders Memorial Concert.'' 
Illinois's Ninth Congressional District is proud to be home to the 
brilliantly talented members of this organization, and for their 
outstanding gifts, leadership, and service, these members are worthy of 
the highest praise.

                          ____________________