musical conductor
The usual word for the person who conducts an orchestra, choir, band, or similar musical group.
The conductor gave a cue to the orchestra.
The choir began singing in time with the conductor's movements.
A person who directs or commands a group or operation. In military or official contexts, 指揮官 may be more specific; 指揮者 focuses on the role of giving direction.
The leader of the rescue operation ordered everyone to stand by.
A large work site needs an experienced person in charge of directing operations.
He has been serving as the conductor of that orchestra since this year.
The police identified the leader of that demonstration.
She hopes to become a conductor in the future.
指導者 emphasizes teaching or guiding a group, whereas 指揮者 emphasizes actively directing or commanding real-time actions.
指揮者 is the neutral, everyday term for 'conductor', while マエストロ is a more reverent title used for a truly masterful conductor or musician.
指揮者 is the standard Japanese word for someone who conducts an orchestra or choir, while コンダクター is a loanword used in the same sense with a more international or stylish feel.
A Sino-Japanese compound from 指揮, 'command; direction; conducting,' plus 者, 'person,' meaning 'a person who conducts or directs.'