Gordin began his administrative relationship with FO as an Artistic Advisor in 2018 and was appointed Artistic Director the following year. Of his first production at the helm, San Francisco Classical Voice wrote: “A gripping production of Carlisle Floyd’s tragedy Susannah this past weekend made it clear that Festival Opera has returned to full production in high gear. After several years of reduced offerings, the Walnut Creek-based company, with newly appointed artistic director Zachary Gordin, brought this lush American opera to the Lesher Center with savvy stage direction and first-class music from singers and orchestra.” His promotion to General Director in 2020 was a harbinger of many more artistically uplifting seasons for this treasured Bay Area cultural asset. Since then, he has created the Artist Recital Series, MIXTAPE Digital Stage, and the interview series Behind the Mask. In 2021, Gordin minted the World Premiere of A Jake Heggie Triptych - a trio of Heggie’s song cycles fully-staged as an operatic event - with the composer among the performers. Bellini’s powerhouse opera Norma was the highlight of FO’s 2022 season, marking the return of grand opera with a full cast, chorus, and orchestra to the Lesher Center for the Arts. 

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An Oakland native son, Gordin grew up amid the multi-cultural artistic offerings that the Bay is famous for. During his early childhood, he was inspired by his Great-Grandfather, an organist, and began training on keyboard instruments. His own experience being from a diverse cultural background, and as a participant in once-robust public school music programs underscores his dedication to increasing access to education and performance. Gordin has served on the voice faculties of the Oakland School for the Arts, Santa Clara University, and Sonoma State University, and through his own vocal studio has trained artists who have performed on the world’s great stages. Gordin continues his work as a sought-after performer and presenter. His passion for fitness, community engagement, and mentoring makes him a positive influence in media spaces. He continues to collaborate in ways that uplift and lead the opera world toward a more innovative, accessible, and equitable position. With his reverence for musical tradition, his passion for excellence, and his modern and socially progressive vision, Festival Opera will be in skilled and restorative hands for years to come.