London in the 16^th and 17^th centuries was a thriving centre of political power and trade. The metropolis attracted musicians, both native and foreign, who came to enjoy the patronage of court and nobility, and employment of the church and numerous theatres.

"Come when I call" therefore features first of all works by "the English Orpheus", Henry Purcell, and his contemporaries. As so many of the English composers spent their apprentice years in the sunny South, the second half of the concert is devoted to their Italian colleagues, who had their own way of treating the evergreen themes of longing and love.