Someone is inevitably required to lead any large organization. The concertmaster could probably do it, but it would look funny if he sat on a pedestal (for vis

Someone is inevitably required to lead any large organization. The concertmaster could probably do it, but it would look funny if he sat on a pedestal (for visibility). Plus, his direction might distract from his playing. So, they have someone else, typically more experienced and without an instrument perform that duty. I think soloists in concertos sometimes conduct.