THE ARTS

Masur to Be Sidelined by Organ Transplant

Kurt Masur, music director of the New York Philharmonic, is scheduled to undergo an organ transplant and will miss several December concerts and a New Year’s Eve performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

The 74-year-old conductor began his 11th and final season at the orchestra Thursday with a nationally televised performance of Brahm’s “German Requiem” in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Orchestra spokesman Eric Latzky said that Masur will have the procedure in Europe. He refused to disclose which organ was involved except to rule out the heart.

TELEVISION

ABC’s Jennings Target of Misguided E-Mails

“World News Tonight” anchor Peter Jennings has been deluged with more than 10,000 angry e-mails and phone calls. All because it was erroneously reported that the veteran ABC newsman had criticized President Bush for not returning directly to the White House after the attacks on New York and Washington.

The source of the report? Broadcaster Rush Limbaugh, who, relying on information passed along by a friend, called “this fine son of Canada” a fine example of “foolish, whining, babyish, unrealistic selfishness on the part of liberals.”

“It’s very depressing to me and terribly depressing for him,” ABC News executive vice president Paul Friedman told the Washington Post. “His telephone is full of vitriol.”

After ABC protested, Limbaugh made an on-air retraction.

New Season Offto a Solid Start

Viewers answered the bell for regular prime-time fare on Sunday.

ABC’s “The Practice” opened its season with solid ratings for a two-hour debut, attracting an average of 18 million viewers based on preliminary estimates from Nielsen Media Research. “The Practice” easily won its time slot, with NBC drawing just under 12 million viewers for its “50 Years of NBC Late Night” special.

CBS’ new drama “The Education of Max Bickford,” starring Richard Dreyfuss, and “60 Minutes” also appeared to get off to a strong start, winning their time slots. Final tune-in levels for the network won’t be released until later this week, as its results were skewed on the East Coast by NFL football coverage spilling over into prime time.

MOVIES

Agreement Reachedon 2002 Oscar Security

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has reached an agreement on security issues for the 2002 Oscar telecast. If other matters, such as access for decorating purposes and parking for press and other vehicles, are resolved by Oct. 15, the ceremony will be held at the new Kodak Theatre as planned. The Shrine Auditorium, the backup venue, must be notified by that date.

“I’d put all kinds of money on going to the Kodak, but there’s no signed agreement yet,” John Pavlik, director of communications for the academy, told The Times Monday.

DVDs Nominated for Video Premiere Awards

They aren’t even out yet and already the DVD editions of “Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace,” “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” “Shrek” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” have been nominated for awards.

They are in the running for the second annual Video Premiere Awards, which honor work done for video and DVD releases--including those that are coming out later this year, of which judges were sent copies in advance. Categories range from staples such as acting, directing, writing, editing and cinematography to best audio commentary, best DVD menu design and best new, enhanced or reconstructed movie scenes.

The winners will be announced Oct. 28 in ceremonies at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, with much of the proceeds being donated to victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

FUND-RAISING

Show Biz Community Rallies Around Flag

Americans can help victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks just by going to the movies today. The National Assn. of Theater Owners says 275 movie theater chains representing 30,000 screens plan to donate every dollar earned--from both the ticket booth and the concession stand--to charities aiding the relief operations.

They join a long line of celebrities and arts groups offering their help.

Soprano Leontyne Price, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist James Levine will hold a free “Concert of Remembrance” at Carnegie Hall on Sunday in honor of those affected by the attacks. Carnegie Hall is also donating a portion of the proceeds from its Oct. 3 opening-night concert to disaster relief efforts.

Hollywood and Broadway stars will present “A Sing-in for America” benefit Monday at the Wadsworth Theatre in Brentwood, with John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck emceeing.

The three principals of DreamWorks SKG--Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen--have each donated $1 million to the relief effort. So has actress Sandra Bullock.