Lots of people have misconceptions about how orchestras work. Most probably do think they just show up and play. The real “conducting” of an orchestra takes place during rehearsals. Even though the musicians have music in front of them, they still have to learn what the current conductor plans to do with the music. I am amazed that they can play what they play under so many different conductors. The CSO is easily one of the greatest orchestras in the world.
Decades ago there was a mousy secretary at my company who played violin for the Detroit symphony orchestra....
Exactly! Leonard Bernstein has a series of talks on YouTube about the orchestra. A good starter is ‘Bernstein on Conducting’. He has numerous others.
It was said that Doc Severinson practiced 4 hours every day.