Sir Paul McCartney has collaborated with the New York City Ballet (NYCB) on a production due to premiere later this year.

Ocean's Kingdom is the first time the former Beatles star has written an original orchestral score for dance.

The New York City Ballet's Master in Chief Peter Martins said the pair began discussing the project after meeting at a gala last year.

"After I got to know him a bit, and knowing of his great love of composing classical music, I asked if he might be interested in doing something for New York City Ballet, and I am ecstatic that he has agreed to write a score for us,” he said.

Sir Paul said that he was was “very excited” and that he was now “in the very final stages of the orchestral score”.

The ballet is due to be given its world premiere at the Fall Gala on September 22 alongside a performance of George Balanchine’s Union Jack.

Additional performances of Sir Paul's production are due to take place during the 2011/12 season, but dates have yet to be confirmed.

(by Jason Gregory)