The conductor as tyrant.

Yes, the description does make sense, somewhat. Because the conductor imposes his/her interpretation of the music on the orchestra, and by his conducting and directions forces the individual players to become mere instruments, as it were, in the grand design of the symphony.
It is somehow rather apparent in a student ensemble, perhaps because the players look rather stunned during performance and Mr. Oura becomes by far the most spirited and animated musician on stage.