The NZAA Merit Award Certificate read: “This is to certify that Crystal Wang (Congyu Wang) is presented with the Merit Award for services to the development of the accordion in New Zealand and the world.“

Attending the event and performing was Mirco Patarini (picture left) President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) travelling from Italy.

Conducting at the event was Prof. Li Cong Vice President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and President of the China Accordion Association.

Citation For
Crystal Wang (王从余)
NZAA Merit Award

Crystal Wang (Congyu Wang – 王从余) is a renowned accordionist and educator in China. She currently serves as Member of the CIA Music Committee, Deputy Secretary-General of Chinese Accordion Association (CAA), Director of Accordion Professional Committee of Shanghai Musicians Association, Dean of the Department of Western Music at the Shanghai Normal University Music College, Professor of the Accordion Major, and Master’s Supervisor.

Crystal Wang was a key assistant for the 2006 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival, which at that time was the largest pageant of international accordionists ever in China. New Zealanders were prominent supporters with then CIA President Kevin Friedrich and CIA Public Relations Harley Jones attending and both invited to give lectures.

Crystal Wang has long been an important member of the China Accordion Association (CAA) which is the China member of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA). She is a well known author, orchestra conductor and also a performer with the Shanghai Symphony.

Crystal Wang was part of organising a very important delegation of teachers, competitors and jury members to the 2009 Coupe Mondiale in Takapuna, New Zealand, strongly supporting the event.

Crystal Wang has held many very important roles promoting and organising major international accordion events held in China. These include the 2011 Coupe Mondiale in Shanghai, 2019 Coupe Mondiale in Shenzhen, and major international accordion events most years in Shanghai, Tacheng, Harbin, Shenzhen, with nearly all including some New Zealand participation.

The New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) wishes to thank Crystal Wang for all her successful work for the advancement of the accordion for New Zealand and internationally since 2006.

A number of the accordionists attending this presentation have been on concert tours to China or attended major accordion events in China.

Other recipients of the NZAA Merit Award are:
1988 Dr Willard Palmer
2009 Kevin Friedrich, presented at 2009 Coupe Mondiale in Takapuna.
2017 Prof. Li Cong – Pictures presentation

Attending the presentation of the NZAA Merit Award to Crystal Wang was:
Mirco Patarini President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA).
Prof. Li Cong Vice President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and President of the China Accordion Association.
Kevin Friedrich Past President, current CIA Ambassador and Executive member of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA).
Sonja Palinich, President of New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) supported by many of the Executive committee of the NZAA.
Harley Jones, Public Relations, Executive member of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA).
Grayson Masefield, Vice-Chairman, Music Committee, Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA).
Anthony Schulz, Vice President, Victoria Branch, Accordion Society of Australia,
Marcel Riethmann, Chairman, Accordion Examination Board of NZ