DANCER and choreographer Michael Flatley has released a single to commemorate the Easter Rising.
Written and composed by Irish songwriter Brian Flanagan, The Rising is performed by the dancing star who narrates a depiction of the heroes of 1916.
Musician Finbar Furey accompanies on Uileann pipes and whistles.
Mr Flatley, best known for the successful dance show The Lord of the Dance, also plays a traditional 140-year-old wooden flute during the chorus, while his dance steps create a percussion crescendo for the song's finale.
"The story of the Easter Rising and the bravery of those that lost their lives fighting for a free Irish republic, has always moved me deeply and inspired me," said Mr Flatley.
"I really wanted to mark this special centenary for Ireland and I'm especially proud of the poignant and beautiful tribute that we, as artists together, have created."
Mr Flanagan, who also accompanies on vocals, penned the song for Flatley while working with him in Dublin recently.
"This song brings together many Irish art forms, including recitation, traditional music, Irish dance and the lament, to honour the extraordinary sacrifice of the heroes of the 1916 Rising in Ireland and acknowledges that we are only where we are today because of the events of April 1916," he said.
All proceeds from the single will be donated to charity, including Dublin's Crumlin Hospital and Michael Flatley's Foundation.
'The Rising' will also be used on the soundtrack to a forthcoming movie, also called The Rising, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Fiona Shaw and Colin Morgan.
