Film composer and music producer Hans Zimmer, whose latest work includes the soundtrack for The Dark Knight Rises, has composed a sombre choral song as a tribute to the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Colo.

The German-born, Los Angeles-based composer posted the poignant and powerful track Aurora to his Facebook page on Friday and also made the song available internationally via iTunes over the weekend.

"Aurora is dedicated to those who lost their lives and were affected by the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado," the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer said in a statement.

"I recorded this song in London in the days following the tragedy as a heartfelt tribute to the victims and their families."

Zimmer offering the 8.5-minute song via download and is asking for donations. The donation levels range from $0.10 to $2,500 US. The plan is to send 100 per cent of the proceeds to the Aurora Victim Relief organization.

Along with creating the soundtrack to all three of Christopher Nolan's Batman films (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises), Zimmer also composed the music for Inception, Gladiator, Crimson Tide, The Lion King, The Last Emperor and three of the Pirates of the Caribbean instalments.

Mass shooting suspect James Holmes, accused of killing 12 people and wounding 58 others at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises at an Aurora multiplex theatre on July 20, was formally charged by Colorado prosecutors on Monday.