Cinematography from the early 20th century will return in the summer NFM Organ Cinema series. The series of shows of silent productions enriched with live music will be opened by one of the first real war films – The Big Parade from 1925, directed by King Vidor. The silent scenes of the American hit with an all-star cast will come to life during the screening in the Main Hall thanks to the improvisations of the organist Tomasz Orlow.

The biggest hit of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio until the premiere of the record-breaking Gone with the Wind, a box office revenue record, presents the drama of World War I from the perspective of an ordinary American soldier. Following the screen story from 1925, we will witness the transformation of the main character, who enlists in the army under the influence of the patriotic atmosphere and pressure from his father. After training, he goes to the front in France. This film had a significant impact on world cinematography, including the 1930 All Quiet on the Western Front. It also contributed to the popularity of the actors John Gilbert and Renée Adorée, the latter briefly enjoying star status in America thanks to her appearance in The Big Parade.

Tomasz Orlow enjoys such a star reputation in the field of musical improvisation in our country. He is an organist, teacher, organologist and organ builder. He has won several competitions and works as a lecturer at the Silesian University in Katowice. He conducts dynamic concert activities in Poland and abroad, focusing on the art of organ and piano improvisation.