Paul McCartney Tries His Hand at Ballet

Paul McCartney is writing an original score for a world premiere ballet for the New York City Ballet company's 2011 season.

The New York City Balley Master, Paul Martins, said he heard the work for the first time Thursday morning and said fans of McCartney from his days as a member of the Beatles are in for a surprise.

"I think those people who expect a Beatles sound will be in for a surprise," Martins said. "The first movement I listened to this morning was quite beautiful, and a major departure for him."

The libretto’s working title is "Oceans' Kingdom" and it premieres at the ballet's fall gala performance in September.

It is the first time McCarney will write an orchestral score for dance. Martins, who is collaborating with the megawatt star, said he met McCartney at a benefit last year.

"I had known for quite some time that he was interested in classical music," Martins said.  "I said to him, 'Wouldn’t it be great if we did something together?' Before I knew it, he had accepted the idea of doing something for me."