Viktor Raychev is brother of Alexander Raychev. He graduated from the State Academy of Music in 1952 majoring in Composition under Professor Parashkev Hadjiev and Professor Pancho Vladigerov, and Conduction under Professor Assen Dimitrov. While still a student, he became leader of the ensemble at the Georgi Dimitrov Trade-Union House (1948-57). From 1952 to 1982 he was conductor and Director of the State Music Theatre.

A central place in his work is occupied by the stage music genre. His operettas are representative for the development of the genre in the Bulgarian music. One of his most popular stage works is Maestro’s Youth (1957) dedicated to the composer Maestro Georgi Atanassov, staged up to 1982. He also composed choral, solo and pop songs; children’s songs; instrumental works, etc. In 1971 his song “Don Quixote” won the second prize at The Golden Orpheus Festival.

Stage music:
Opera:
The Shadow (comic tale), after Eugene Schwarz (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1966).

Operettas:
Maestro’s Youth (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1957);
The Conqueror of Lands and Hearts (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1958);
Women’s Ball (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1959);
The Happy Man (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1964);
House Made up of Cards (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1969);
Encounters (in cooperation with the Moscow Operetta; Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1974);
Hashove (Rebels) – romantic opera after Ivan Vazov (Sofia, State Music Theatre, 1985).

Choral-orchestral works:
Ballads: Prayer on Botev Peak (1980); The Death of Samuil – mixed choir, soloist and orchestra.

Works for chamber orchestra:
Suite from the operetta Maestro’s Youth (1963);
Serenade (1967).

For piano:

Twelve pieces.

For wind orchestra:
Suite from the operetta Maestro’s Youth.