In the early hours of Thursday morning, on the 5th of September, our lives changed forever. Our daughter, Hannah Iris Terøy Olyver, was born at Ålesund Hospital, and we’ve spent the past week absorbing the magnitude of this event. It has been an incredibly emotional time, filled with joy, wonder, and awe as we embark on the adventure of parenthood.
The care we received at the hospital was nothing short of exceptional. I’ve been truly amazed by the level of support and compassion shown by the staff at the hospital. In Norway, it is common practice for both parents to stay in the maternity ward after their baby’s birth for as long as needed, which was a blessing for us as new parents. The midwives not only provided us with outstanding care but also invaluable guidance. As first-time parents, this has been essential for us, and we are deeply grateful for their patience and knowledge. Being shown the ropes by such caring professionals has given us confidence and comfort as we navigate this new chapter.
Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and adjustments, I’ve found time to reflect on the immense changes happening in our lives right now. Moving to Norway, leaving behind my role as Head of Music at Stoke College to focus on expanding Dr Olyver’s Composition Studio, and, most importantly, becoming a father—it feels like a season of profound transformation. After a long break from the pitch from injury, I’ve even dusted off my football boots and joined the local 5th division football club! This sense of renewal and inspiration is undeniable, and I know that Hannah’s birth will continue to influence not only my teaching and compositions but, more importantly, will bring us a profound love and joy that words alone cannot fully capture in this blog post.
To mark this special moment, I’ve dedicated a piece of music to Hannah. It’s a composition I wrote this summer dedicated to Hannah, using BBC Symphony Orchestra Pro and Albion Tundra Strings—both of which are available to participants of Dr Olyver’s Composition Studio. You can find the video of the piece on this blog. It represents not only my gratitude for this new chapter but also my hopes and dreams for our daughter. Music has always been the way I express what words cannot fully capture, and this piece is no exception—it is my way of welcoming Hannah into the world and sharing with her the beauty I see in life.
As we settle into life with Hannah, I am reminded of the importance of embracing change, however daunting it may feel at times. With each passing day, I am inspired by the miracle of her birth, by the strength of my wife, and by the journey that lies ahead for us as a family. I know that these experiences will continue to shape not only my personal life but also my professional path. Dr Olyver’s Composition Studio is entering an exciting new phase, and I look forward to growing it, sharing my passion for music with students from around the world, and being continually inspired by the incredible experiences life brings.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and for allowing me to share these personal moments with you. The birth of Hannah has already brought us so much joy, and I know that this feeling will carry us forward as we continue to build something meaningful together—both as a family and through the music we create.