What is the primary purpose of a conductor in an orchestra?

The primary purpose of a conductor in an orchestra is to lead and coordinate the musicians during a performance. The conductor serves as a vital point of communication, providing physical cues through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements that help the musicians interpret the tempo, dynamics, and overall expression of the music. This coordination ensures that all the different sections of the orchestra play together cohesively, allowing for dynamic control and maintaining the intended musical timing.

Other roles mentioned, like composing new music or managing the orchestra's finances, while important in their own right, do not reflect the immediate duties of a conductor during a live performance. Similarly, playing an instrument is typically the role of individual musicians rather than the conductor, who focuses on guiding and shaping the performance rather than contributing as an instrumentalist.