What percentage difference does your conducting make?
I strive for conductorless performances with my ensembles, at least sometimes. When I first step back from active conducting, I find that the overall success of a performance can drop by a significant percentage – even as much as 50%. An excellent performance goes off the rails without me.
Other times, when well-prepared for my absence, there can be only a small difference – maybe a 5% difference in precision and expression. Maybe less than that? In that case, I’m little more than a security blanket, giving them confidence to give the performance they’re prepared to give.
There are all sorts of places in between. Mostly superfluous, but there are a couple hesitant entrances that are essential to cue. Needed, but watched only out of peripheral vision as they deliver a performance to the audience.
I think every ensemble has the ability to perform without a conductor – barring sight/distance/timing issues. Regardless of genre of music, the question is how is the ensemble prepared and what are they conditioned to expect.
There is value in both, conducted and conductorless. Take the time to assess and experiment in all your ensembles.