The orchestra would most likely be able to get through a fair amount of music without using a conductor, but there are a few important reasons why they need one.

The conductor gives the tempo to the orchestra so that everyone can play at the same speed.
The orchestra needs someone to show them clearly when everyone should start playing. In the orchestra, not everyone plays everything at the same time. Some musicians have to wait to get their turn to play so as not to lose the thread by counting alone. Instead, the conductor shows them when it is their turn because they have all the notes in front of them.
The orchestra needs a person standing where everyone can see them: up front and central. And this person will direct them all to play properly. The conductor is also the one who stands away from the orchestra and can get an overall impression, making necessary adjustments to the orchestra.

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