Illinois Public Media

Music

Terracotta plaque (ca. 460–450 BCE, Greek) depicting Odysseus disguised as a beggar comforting his grieving wife, Penelope.

“The Odyssey” as told through music

One of the oldest surviving works of literature and a bedrock of Western culture, “The Odyssey” continues to move and enthrall audiences nearly 2,700 years after its supposed composition by the blind poet, Homer. Christopher Nolan’s recent film is just the latest take on a text that has inspired countless adaptations and works of art. On the latest from “Clef Notes,” editor Katie Buzard explores the musical adaptations of the Homeric epic from operas and oratorios to intimate art songs.

Latest News

IPM Newsroom

Kindred the Family Soul announcement

Tickets go on sale AUGUST 13 for Kindred the Family Soul for Illinois Soul's third anniversary celebration

WILL FM

Clef Notes

“The Odyssey” as Told through Music

One of the oldest surviving works of literature and a bedrock of Western culture, The Odyssey continues to move and enthrall audiences nearly 2,700 years after its…
Dialogue

Dialogue Roundup: Data Center Debate, Champaign Youth Summer Job Program, and Dire Results of a Hospital Shutdown

A push to regulate data centers, Champaign Unit 4 students tell us what they've learned in their summer jobs, and it’s been more than three months since a West Side hospital…

WILL AM

The 21st Show
Scenes from 2026 Illinois State Fair

Sights and sounds from 2026 Illinois State Fair

21st Show host Brian Mackey captures a sonic postcard from some of the thousands of people who are part of making the state fair. 
The 21st Show
The 2026 Illinois State Fair kicked off August 13 in Springfield.

From the State Fair: Illinois Ag director on storms, tariffs, and Iran war

The State Fair is back in town. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II discusses the state of agriculture in the 21st state from the fair. 
The 21st Show

Republican Darren Bailey on his second run for governor

Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey explains why he's running for governor again and shares his thoughts on existing policies in the state. 

WILL TV

Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 7 - May 2026

For this month's Prairie Fire, students from the University of Illinois’ College of Media spent a semester producing five short documentaries highlighting food, skating,…
Mid-American Gardener

We Visit Tranquility…A Backyard Garden Inspired by the Beauty of Japan

Tour a peaceful Champaign garden where Japanese design, bonsai, maples, and hundreds of hostas come together in a landscape more than 25 years in the making.
State of Change

Small gestures to make a big difference in preserving our planet

We visit a zero-waste general store, a garden bringing a community together in a Chicago food desert, a program protecting pollinators, and advice to increase sustainability…