Soprano Netrebko withdraws from Met's La Traviata

Soprano Anna Netrebko has withdrawn from Metropolitan Opera's new production of Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata.

The popular Russian soprano told a German newspaper that she won't be appearing in the production because she wants a new challenge and doesn't want to compete with her previous performance.

Netrebko, known for her interpretation of Russian operatic roles, last performed in a production of La Traviata in June at the San Francisco Opera House.

Met spokesman Peter Clark confirmed Netrebko's departure Tuesday.

The production of La Traviata, which follows the life of a famous courtesan by the name of Violetta, was scheduled for a 2010 debut.

The Met will look for a new leading lady while production continues in New York.