Strikepoint, an internationally-acclaimed handbell ensemble based in Duluth will be
performing at 7:30pm on Friday, August 1 at the Cathedral of Christ the King (1111 Belknap
St.) in Superior. 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 the Cathedral’s organ fund. This
performance is the opening concert of Strikepoint’s 2025 summer 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.”