noun

conductor

kuhn-DUK-ter/kənˈdʌktər/

a person who directs a group of musicians during a performance

The conductor directs the orchestra with a raised baton and expressive hand.

A Black male conductor in formal concert clothing directs an orchestra with raised baton and expressive free hand, musicians watch attentively, viewed from their side so his face and guiding gesture are clear.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with

+ducLatinto lead

+torLatinone who acts

The underlying idea is leading or bringing together. The general meaning of a leader or manager became specialized for someone who directs an orchestra or choir.

In context

Town Meeting TV17:28

the symphony conducted by Gustavo dudamel he's currently the conductor of the Los Angeles philarmonic

What’s So Great about Beethoven’s Fifth? | Education and Enrichment for Everyone

More examples

She became the choir's conductor.
Several conductors interpreted the piece differently.
The conductor signaled a quieter passage.

Forms

conductor · conductors

Similar words

director: Broader and may lead rehearsals or administration rather than conducting.
bandleader: A bandleader may perform while leading rather than conduct with gestures alone.