Born in Cervený Kostelec, on February 27, 1923, Kalabis was one of the greatest Czech composers of the latter half of the 20th century.
Kalabis studied at the Prague Conservatory and at the Academy of Music and Charles University. In 1952 he married Zuzana Ruzicková, who became a renowned harpsichord player. They both refused to join the Communist party, making their musical careers difficult and Zuzana was later interred in Terezin. Viktor was truly established as an international composer when in 1957, Manuel Rosenthal performed his Cello Concerto Op. 8 with the Orchestra de Paris. His composition Sinfonia pacis is one of the most-played Czech contemporary music compositions; his vocal works such as the cantata Canticum Canticorum, the chamber cantata Vojna, song cycles and choruses are of a similar high standard. For stage he was written the Fable for chamber orchestra and the two-part ballet score Two Worlds, inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In 1967, he received the Prize of the Czechoslovak Music Critics and in 1969 he was awarded the State Prize.
Eventually, Kalabis became President of the Bohuslav Martinu Foundation. Here he established the Bohuslav Martinu Institute for studies and information, launched the Martinu Festival and competition and created a dynamic base from which Bohuslav Martinu’s work has become far better known.
The seven intimate Quartets date from 1949 onwards, the last appearing in 1993. This SACD tribute to Kalabis, has on its cover the painting ‘Head’ by Ota Janecek, Czech painter and friend of Viktor’s: a profound influence, along with Chagall.