Illinois Public Media

Music

Paintings and vintage photographs of composers who wrote songs of love.

The Love Stories that Inspired Musical Masterpieces

Whether burning from afar or passionately reciprocated, love has been a fruitful muse for many of the great composers. Come along as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with the love stories that inspired four famous compositions.

New season of PBS Series: Sisi, Austrian Empress.

Afternoon at the Opera

Afternoon at the Opera: Idomeneo

On this episode of Afternoon at the Opera, the 1986 rebroadcast of Mozart's Idomeneo. Saturday at Noon on Illinois Classical.

Atomic Age Cocktail Party

Valentine’s Day Special (157)

Love is on the air this week on The Atomic Age Cocktail Party. It’s our special two-hour Valentine’s Day program filled with lots of music just perfect for your romantic…

Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical

ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: FEBRUARY 8 – 9 –10 – 11 – 12 – 13, 2026

The 21st Show

a tall store sign against a clear blue sky; it reads Rise Community Market and Rise & Shine Deli Cafe, with movable type at the bottom reading

Cairo, Illinois, loses its only grocery store — again

Cairo, Illinois, spent seven years as a “food desert” — until 2023, when residents banded together to open a co-op grocery store. But as of January, the store is closed.…

The 21st Show

a stylized mosaic with the colors of the trans pride flag: pink, white and bue

Running (for office) while trans

Trans people have been much discussed in American politics — from sports to bathrooms to health care. But their representation in elected office has been minimal.…

The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Visa delays, rising costs, tightening restrictions and fear are keeping international artists from visiting the Midwest

Under the Trump administration, rising visa costs and fears at ports of entry are keeping more international artists and musicians away from the Midwest.

Prairie Fire

Music