Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko acknowledges applause on stage at an open air concert in Munich, Germany, on July 10. The soprano withdrew from Metropolitan Opera's production of La Traviata Tuesday. Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko acknowledges applause on stage at an open air concert in Munich, Germany, on July 10. The soprano withdrew from Metropolitan Opera's production of La Traviata Tuesday. (Joerg Koch/AFP/Getty Images)

Soprano Anna Netrebko has withdrawn from Metropolitan Opera's new production of Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata.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

with files from The Associated Press