Dexterity makes pianist Ariel a Bellagio treat

Joe Delaney

Friday, March 10, 2000 | 9:12 a.m.

Ariel, born in Russia, is a classically-trained pianist, a vital presence, handsome, soft-spoken, musically articulate as well as innovative.

He can be enjoyed 9 p.m.-1:15 a.m. (Tuesdays through Saturdays) in the Bellagio's award-winning Petrossian Bar, near the lobby, also known for its caviar, smoked salmon dishes and frozen vodka specialties.

There is much more to Ariel than meets the ear at the Petrossian. He is famed for his Power of Five concerts, where he plays one piano and via computer has four more pianos playing in a five-piano recital. He's able to perform the classics as well as classical versions of rock hits by such artists as the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Moody Blues.

In the Petrossian Bar, Ariel actually makes one piano sound like more than one. He has the ability to make a popular song sound better than it was originally written, while retaining the essence of the composer's intent. Andrew Lloyd Webber's extensive catalogue does not have a better instrumental interpreter than Ariel. Be sure to request his "Cats" medley.

In the sets caught, there were elaborate, technical, yet warm versions of "What a Wonderful World," "The Impossible Dream," the "Cats" medley and an "Evita" medley with a definitive version of "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina."

The second session, at 10 p.m., included "Bridge over Troubled Water," "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," a great "Mack the Knife," "My Favorite Things" and an "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" that Tony Bennett would have applauded, plus a "West Side Story" medley as good as I've ever heard it played.

The Petrossian Bar has Ariel out in the open. The tables were filled and crowds gathered around the outside of the area to listen and applaud. Music is continuous from noon until 1:15 a.m. with Bruce Westcott, Whitney Phoenix and Marta performing at other times.

Bellagio also has the Baccarat Bar and the Allegro and Fontana Lounges, all with musical entertainment. Dian Diaz has just returned to the Fontana Bar with her hot, contemporary Latin band.

If you would like to make your spouse or your significant other feel very special, go for it one evening, get tickets for "O" early and then stop at the Petrossian Bar for some smoked salmon -- unless you happen to be a caviar person -- a drink and a set or two with Ariel at the piano.

Or enjoy Ariel at 9 p.m. and then go to "O" and return for a nightcap during his final hour. You will have a very special evening -- and possibly much more -- to remember.

Or just make it an evening at all four areas, especially when George Bugatti (Tuesdays through Fridays) is singing in the Allegro Lounge.