First Presbyterian Church
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM on Sun, 3 Aug 2025
Top Handbell Ensemble to Perform
Strikepoint, an internationally-acclaimed handbell ensemble based in Duluth, Minnesota, will be performing at 7:00pm on Sunday, August 3 at First Presbyterian Church (650 2nd Ave. N.) in Fargo. Admission is free but an $18 donation is suggested; in support of local arts groups, 20% of the evening’s donation will be returned to First Presbyterian’s handbell program. This performance is part of Strikepoint’s 2025 summer concert tour.
Strikepoint was established in 1984 and has been touring annually since 1986. Their travels have taken them to England, Scotland, Japan, Hong Kong, Sweden, Canada, Hawaii and throughout the mainland U.S. They have performed at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Sterling Castle in Scotland, Disney World in Florida, and both Disneyland and the Crystal Cathedral in California. Locally, they have performed with the Arrowhead Chorale, the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, and the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. In 2016 they were cultural exchange ambassadors to Växjö, Duluth’s Swedish sister city, and last summer they were honored to be selected as the only group representing the U.S. in a special concert at the 21st International Handbell Symposium in Hamamatsu, Japan.
Strikepoint is noted for capturing the enthusiasm of audiences with its dynamic style and accessible music. The concert theme is “variety,” and selections include both familiar and new music, ranging from the hymn favorite A Mighty Fortress to pop classics Mister Sandman and Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head to a piece written specifically for Strikepoint. Reviews of Strikepoint concerts have praised their “athleticism and showmanship,” “rhythmic precision, musical nuance and technical confidence,” with an “exceptionally creative bent!”
Strikepoint rings 6-plus octaves of bronze Schulmerich handbells, 7 octaves of handchimes, 2 octaves of Silver Melody Bells, 3 octaves of Petit and Fritzen handbells and a variety of other instruments. The 11-member directorless ensemble is unique among touring handbell groups as a combination community/professional/church group. Derek Bromme is the new leader of the ensemble.
Strikepoint concerts are designed to engage and delight listeners. Among the comments most frequently heard after concerts, a favorite is, “If we’d known it was going to be this good, we would have brought all our friends.”
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