La Cieca has just learned that Anna Netrebko, who is currently awaiting the September arrival of her first child, has withdrawn from her scheduled Met performances as Mimì on December 29, 2008 and January 3 matinee, 6, and 10, 2009.

According to a press release from the met, the soprano “has decided that she will need a few more weeks than originally planned to be ready for her return to the stage” following the birth of the Schrott Tot.  Maija Kovalevska will replace Netrebko for the Bohème performances. Netrebko promises a return to the company on January 26 in Lucia di Lammermoor.