» turning passion into performance «
András Himmler is a 22-year-old musician and songleader from Hungary, currently pursuing Film studies in Ireland. An alumnus of the Lauder Javne School in Budapest, András’s journey with Jewish music began in middle school and has remained a central part of his life. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience as a songleader and musician, currently serving as Head Songleader at Szarvas Camp, and an Official Songleader for the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), collaborating with organizations such as JCC Budapest – Bálint Ház, Frankel Leo Synagogue, The Hungarian Jewish Social Assistance Foundation (MAZS), Hanoar Hatzioni Hungary, Csányi5 – Jewish Local History Collection of Elisabethtown, MERKAZ – Hebrew and Israeli Cultural Center in Hungary, The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz), Rumbi Tanház, Cteen Hungary, Gozsdu Courtyard, the Dublin Hebrew Congregation, the Jewish Community of Lisbon, and Chabad Lubavitch of Portugal. He is also frequently invited to perform at weddings as well as bar and bat mitzvahs.
He has also had the privilege of collaborating with several theaters, performing in Faust I-II and Nóra – karácsony Helmeréknél (A Doll’s House) at the Katona József Theater, in Peer Gynt at the Stúdió K Theater, and in Éjjeli Színház – Utazás Faremidóba (Night Theater – Voyage to Faremido) at the TÁP Performing Theater. In addition, he served as a bandleader, singer, and guitarist, performing at prominent Hungarian festivals such as Judafest and Tilos Maraton.
Although originally from Europe, András feels at home within American Judaism as well. During high school, he took part in two exchange programs with the United States – one at The Adelson School in Las Vegas and another at de Toledo High School in Los Angeles, where he performed and collaborated with students. In 2025, András continued his musical journey by attending Songleader Boot Camp in St. Louis and the BBYO Kumzits European Songleader Training in Budapest, further developing his skills. In 2026, András expanded his musical work by serving as a songleader at BBYO’s International Convention in Philadelphia, participating in the BBYO Kumzits European Songleader Training in Athens, and performing at the 6th ECJC Summit of Jewish Leaders in Athens.
« what people say »
“András is talented, dedicated and hard-working, for whom music is basic oxygen. The energies he is bringing into his concerts and his teaching is sweeping, uplifting and wonderfully engaging. András pays a lot of attention to the quality of the music he is providing and is using very creative ways when teaching. He has real ease at working with any age group, any size of a group and is really easy to work with.”
Zsuzsanna Fritz (educational consultant at Szarvas Camp, coordinator of the Jewish Knowledge Center - JCC Budapest)
“András has been the active member of the BBYO Hungary Jewish Youth Community at the Frankel Synagogue first as a teen and later as mentor and songleader. His contribution to Jewish events with both secular and Jewish music brings both joy and education to his audience of all ages. András’s basic Hebrew knowledge makes him able to perform authentically both liturgical and modern Israeli music. He is always open to learn new songs and widen his repertoire.”
Linda Verő Bán (director of BBYO Hungary), Dr Tamás Verő (chief rabbi of Frankel Synagogue, Budapest)
“András has shown me how important music – especially playing the guitar and singing – is to him. His attitude toward rehearsals is instinctively professional; he arrives prepared and on time, follows my instructions, and is able to incorporate them into his performance. His talent, diligence, quality, humility toward art, and respect and politeness toward others are beyond question.”
Eszter Bíró (actress, singer)
“Colorful, imaginative guitar playing, excellent sense of rhythm and phrasing, bold use of effects, great memory, openness and receptiveness. I must also add that he is a guy blessed with an unstoppable sense of humor. It was a joy to work with him at the Katona József Theater on Nóra – karácsony Helmeréknél (A Doll's House).”
Flóra Lili Matisz (composer, musician, singer)
“András was my solfège student for several years, and his diligence and talent were evident even during the lessons. Based on his perseverance and consistently strong – indeed, outstanding – performance, I invited him to take part in the Faust I-II project at the Katona József Theater. Professionally, he handled the theatrical tasks with ease; personally, he became one of the most central and driving figures in the group. His curiosity is remarkable, as are his resilience, reliability, and sense of responsibility.”
Zsóka Ince (music teacher, choir director)