Experience the Magic: Fish’s Czech Christmas Mass Will Resonate in Churches Nationwide
You might recognize the Czech Christmas Mass as Hey master, which is also commonly called Rybovka after its composer Jan Jakub Ryba. This is a religious piece that reflects a pastoral vibe, set in the Czech landscape, narrating the Annunciation The birth of Christ and the shepherds visiting Christ’s manger. Due to its clear message and joyful atmosphere, it appeals to many people and has become a traditional part of the Czech Christmas celebrations.
Fish’s Mass at St. Salvator’s Church and the Municipal House
This year, Czech Christmas Mass by Jakub Jan Ryba and other pieces will create a festive atmosphere in the warm church of St. Salvator, conveniently located near Old Town Square. Traditional Christmas music will fill the church on December 22, featuring performances by top musicians from VOSK, Bubureza, Piccola orchestra, and various soloists.
You can also enjoy Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass performed by FOK! This December, Ryba’s work will be staged in the Municipal House on December 21 and 22, 2025. This performance will continue from last year’s highly acclaimed show directed by Matej Forman, presenting the enchanting world of puppets on Smetana Hall’s grand stage, ensuring a delightful festive experience.
Rybovka na Hlaváku
For something truly unique, don’t miss “Fishing at Hlavák“, a special concert at the Main Railway Station in Prague. Anyone wanting to play, sing, or simply listen to Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass can take part on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Prague Central Station. As always, everyone is invited to bring their musical instruments, music stands, and sheet music to help create a wonderful pre-holiday atmosphere. Conducting this joyful gathering will be the talented Lukáš Prchal. The concert will be held in the northern section of the station.
Czech Christmas Mass in Rožmital pod Třemšínem
The traditional version of Czech Christmas Mass “Hey, Master” by Jakub Jan Ryba, who spent most of his life in Rožmitál pod Třemšínem, will be showcased by local singers and musicians. This performance is scheduled for Christmas Eve, December 24, at 10:00 p.m. in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Stary Rožmital.
On St. Stephen’s Day, December 26, Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass “Hey, Master” will be performed at 5 p.m. in the Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Rožmital, presented as a spiritual concert with carol singing concluding the event.
Jan Jakub Ryba in Kuks, Svijany and Svatá Hora
The Christmas Fish’s Mass will be performed on December 13 at Holy Trinity Church in Kuks, where the Mixed Choir Smetana from Hradec Králové will sing starting at 5:00 p.m. On Wednesday, December 17, carols sung by opera singer Luděk Vele will be featured in the chapel of Svijany Castle, including ten of the most popular carols alongside a brief 6-minute rendition of Ryba’s Christmas Mass “Hey Master”. On Christmas Eve, December 24, you’ll hear Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass in the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Svatá Hora in Příbram, performed by the Svatohorské temple choir.
