He received a People's Artist of Russia award in 2002 and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland in 2006.
Gorenstein became music director of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Russian Federation in 2002.
In 2011, controversy arose after Gorenstein made disparaging remarks about cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan at the Tchaikovsky International Competition in June 2011,[1] which led to his removal as conductor for the competition.
He is currently principal guest conductor of the Novosibirsk State Academic Symphony Orchestra.
Gorenstein has conducted commercial recordings of works of Shostakovich and Schnittke.