Reynolds Duke - Biography

Biography of Reynolds Duke

Upon her second year's completion of her candidacy, she was invited by Villa Julie College's president, Sister MARY STEPHEN, to create and head up the College's first Art Department. For a period of eight years she taught Painting, Fundamentals of Design, and Creative Arts for Children and the History of Art from the Ancient to Modern Periods. She also prepared and guided groups of students from Villa Julie, the College of Notre Dame and Loyola College to England, France, Greece, Italy and Austria on study tours during several Mid – Term Periods.

Upon her father's sudden death, and the grave illness of ROSA PONSELLE, Elayne resigned her position at Villa Julie College to care for the ailing Diva until her demise in 1981. She accepted a one year's teaching position on behalf of a colleague on Sabbatical leave where she taught Art History and Archaeology at Harford Community College.

During PONSELLE'S debilitating illness between 1977 and 1981, Elayne went to live at "Villa Pace" to oversee PONSELLE'S nursing care as well as the many details which involved the life and former career of the legendary vocal artist. It was during this time that Elayne assisted in writing and editing the first of PONSELLE'S published biographies by James A. Drake. There were additionally to be five other published biographies which Elayne participated in organizing and editing by Mary Jane Phillips Matz and Enrico Aloi. Many articles, CD recordings and a Video Biography documentary on the Life and Art of PONSELLE were organized and produced with her assistance during this period.

Upon PONSELLE'S demise in 1981, Elayne was elected and still serves as the President of the ROSA PONSELLE FOUNDATION. During the five years following PONSELLE'S passing, Elayne also served as the Director of the ROSA PONSELLE MUSEUM at "Villa Pace", where she organized with Miss Carol Lynn, of the Peabody Institute and Ballet Mistress of the Baltimore Opera Company, guided tours through the museum. Docents included several of Ponselle's former Baltimore students such as Phyllis Frankil and Bette Hankin. Many operatic luminaries such as James Morris, Spiro Malas, Jerome Hines, Chris Merritt, Aprile Millo, John Ailer, Lili Chookasian and Gilda Cruz Romo, all performed on the terraces and Music Room of "Villa Pace".